A law student from Florida is one step closer to showing he can handle himself in multiple courts.
Jordan Haber, 21, discovered a loophole that allowed him to become eligible for Thursday’s NBA Draft — despite having no prior experience playing basketball in college, high school or middle school.
“I made a bet with my friends and I made it to the NBA Draft,” Haber said in a May 18 TikTok that went viral with more than 3.2 million views.
“I am now Jordan Haber, member of the 2023 NBA draft class, uh, soon to be undrafted class.”
Haber, an incoming student at Cardozo School of Law in New York, said he was bored one day and decided to read through the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
It wasn’t until he scrolled to page 273 that he found the criteria for meeting draft eligibility.
The Boca Raton, Fla., native explained on TikTok that he was eligible because of several reasons, including graduating from a school in the United States within the academic year the draft is scheduled while also being over 19 years old.
Jordan Haber, a lifelong Heat fan, graduated in December from the University of Florida with a degree in business while minoring in entrepreneurship and communications.
“You really have a three-month, four-month window to really do this,” Haber told the Los Angeles Times.
“And it’s because of that window, not many people are going to think to do it because they think, oh it’s a waste of time, there’s some paperwork to fill out. And it’s what it really is.”
The LA Times noted that among the nearly 300 people eligible for the draft — most of whom have played on the collegiate or international level — Haber is one of 18 names listed in an “unknown individuals” category.
Haber is documenting his experience on YouTube, starting with a video in which he explained his correspondence with the league to confirm his eligibility.
“The worst that happens is you get ignored. … the best that happens … your life changes,” Haber said in his first video.
Initially, Haber was concerned he would be unable to attend the draft because of the cost of the tickets.
But in a May 23 TikTok, Haber showed an email invite from a member of Barclays Center’s social media team to take part in Thursday’s festivities.
In the weeks since he went viral, Haber has received attention from the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons — and even the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.
“I think when I walk into the Barclays Center, I will get pretty emotional just because of how far this has come, Haber told ABC 7.
“It’s what you dream of as a kid, like that small chance you get drafted.”
Haber has been active on Tiktok — where he boasts over 96,000 followers — sharing his experiences in New York City in the days leading up to the NBA Draft.
Though Haber does not expect to be drafted, he is looking forward to being at the event and possibly shaking hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“I think everyone has a dream to be a professional athlete when they’re younger,” Haber told Forward.
“And I think it’s pretty cool that like the average person just kind of found their way and with no ill intent, kind of just having fun.”